Asda announces 7,000 jobs as supermarket targets growth

Asda has announced plans for 7,000 new roles as the supermarket chain beefs up its Asda.com internet service and opens new stores. It is also pledging to recruit 3,000 long-term unemployed and people with disabilities to fill existing vacancies.

The supermarket says it will open nine new supermarkets in 2009, as well as five Asda Living stores selling George fashion ranges and extended 15 of its existing stores to include units such as pharmacies and opticians.

It also plans to expand its online shopping service, creating 2,000 new roles. A further 1,000 jobs will be created through organic growth.

Plans to recruit long-term unemployed workers is being done with Local Employment Partnerships and Remploy, Asda’s recruitment partner for people with disabilities and health conditions. The move will help provide full- and part-time roles for those who have been out of work for at least six months.

The move follows Government targets to get 250,000 long-term unemployed people back into the workforce, including plans outlined in its pre-Budget report to extend funding and open it up to people who have just lost their jobs.

Asda president and chief executive Andy Bond says: “This year we will create 7,000 new jobs at a time when many companies are having to lay people off.”